At present, people’s awareness of environmental protection continues to increase, but “microplastic pollution” is still an area that few people are interested in. It has received very little attention. During the 13th session of the CPPCC National Committee, the CPPCC National Committee members, Vice Chairman of the Liaoning Provincial Political Consultative Conference, and the Democratic League Li Xiaoan, a member of the League, was interviewed by the People's Daily reporter and talked about the microplastic contamination that he was concerned about.
Member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, Li Xiaoan, Vice Chairman of the Liaoning Provincial CPPCC
He said that microplastics are particles less than 5 μm in diameter and that they are mainly contaminated with seawater. Microplastics themselves contain plasticizers and can adsorb toxic substances from the environment, zooplankton, shellfish, fish, and seabirds. Mammals and other trophic levels of marine life will affect growth, development and reproduction, etc. Micro-Plastic pollution sources are mainly in the following areas: Personal care, cleanliness, a large number of micro-plastics added in cosmetics; plastic waste under natural conditions Naturally formed microplastics; washing machine waste water, such as fiber clothing, will be detached from many small particles under the effect of a washing machine, and these plastic particles enter the environment along with the laundry wastewater.
Therefore, in the proposal submitted to the CPPCC's "Protection against Microplastics Pollution and Strengthening Environmental Protection," the Democratic League made the following recommendations:
I. Keeping pace with international standards, the introduction of regulations prohibiting the use of microplastics in cosmetics and toiletries. A comprehensive survey of personal care products, listing the list of products using microplastics as additives and their contents; in personal care products Develop R&D with various natural scrub particles as a substitute.
2. Organize research and formulate standards and related research work for microplastics in China as soon as possible. For example, organize the research on marine microplastics monitoring technologies and methods as soon as possible, and develop corresponding monitoring technical regulations.
3. Strengthen publicity and advocate residents to voluntarily refuse to use personal care products containing 'microplastics'. Encourage residents to reduce the use of disposable plastic products in their daily lives, and select some recyclable alternatives, such as refusing to use disposable food containers. When shopping, use recycled shopping bags to avoid plastic litter. Do not excessively use detergents and softeners when washing clothes. Guide residents to consciously resist micro-plastic products in daily life and consumption.